Thanjavur (Tanjore)
The park at the northern end of the Brihadishwara Temple compound contains the Sivaganga Tank.
Must-see attractions in South India
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Inaugurated in 1907, the Sacred Heart Basilica is a soaring brown-and-white neo-Gothic structure beautified by restored stained glass.
Hyderabad
The Charkaman (Four Arches) area is named after four Qutb Shahi arches on and off Patthargatti, focused on the Gulzar Houz fountain.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Built for the royal family of Travancore, this early-20th-century palace is now mostly a venue for cultural events and performances.
Kochi (Cochin)
Just southwest of Mattancherry's synagogue, the undisturbed Jewish Cemetery contains ancient tombstones marked with Hebrew script.
Hyderabad
Constructed in 1906, this highly ornate mosque is Moorish-meets-Deccan in style, with an array of minarets, balconies and columns.
South Goa
Quiet little Rajbag is dominated by the Lalit Golf & Spa Resort, but it's worth a wander over from Patnem Beach to the north.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Towards the north end of MG Rd stands this fine neo-Gothic Anglican church, notable for its stained glass and 19th-century tombs.
Andaman Islands
Wandoor has a lovely blonde beach, though at the time of writing swimming was prohibited due to a fatal crocodile attack in 2017.
Karnataka
This small museum behind the Durga Temple contains good examples of Chalukyan sculpture.
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
A shady green haven that's always busy, Bharathi Park faces the neoclassical governor's residence, Raj Nivas, on its north side.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
A beautifully carved throne or seat in the shape of a lion, a little west (uphill) from the Raya Gopura on Mamallapuram Hill.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Similarly sized to Mamallapuram's famous Arjuna's Penance, this unfinished relief carving is just south along West Raja St.
Chennai (Madras)
Chennai's main Shia mosque, built in 1810. Mostly useful as a landmark, as non-Muslims aren't allowed inside the buildings.
Varkala
This gold-hued stretch of sand, around 1km north of the North Cliff, makes a peaceful alternative to Varkala's main beach.
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
In the northwestern section of Cubbon Park, the neoclassical Attara Kacheri was built in 1864 and houses the High Court.
The Western Ghats
About 19km north of Kotagiri, Kodanad Viewpoint boasts vistas across both the Coimbatore Plains and the Mysore Plateau.
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Less visited than other nearby viewpoints, Moir's Point is 13km west of town and has lovely views across the plains.
Maharashtra
Cave 27 is virtually a vihara connected to the cave 26 chaitya, though it is not accessible.
Hampi
This temple is at a lower level than the surrounding structures. It's on the western side of the Royal Centre.
Chennai (Madras)
Built entirely of granite in 1795 by the Nawab of the Carnatic, and generally known simply as the Big Mosque.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
The former courtyard of the Zamorins, this large central park still preserves its original spring-fed tank.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A red-brick neo-Gothic construction, built in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Karnataka
On Chandragiri Hill opposite Vindhyagiri, this temple is believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka.
Kovalam
Popular with domestic day trippers, Hawa Beach is a busy sandy strand just north of Lighthouse Beach.
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Built in 1940 and dedicated to Tipi Sultan, this large mosque is one of Bengaluru's most impressive.
Nashik
The Dadasaheb Phalke Memorial is dedicated to the pioneering Indian movie producer of the same name.
Karnataka
The crumbling but richly decorated Mihtar Mahal serves as an ornamental gateway to a small mosque.
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Green Valley View, 6km southwest of Kodai centre, has spectacular views to the plains far below.
Hyderabad
Elaborately carved temple located in a market area that draws many pilgrims. No photos allowed.
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
On the south side of Hanumakonda Hill; this temple may date back as far as the 3rd century AD.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A Hindu temple dedicated to Mahaganapati, a form of Ganesh, in Trivandrum's East Fort area.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A graceful landmark church, 450m west of Trivandrum's Zoological Gardens, dating from 1906.
Hyderabad
Built by the seventh nizam in Indo-Saracenic style, this landmark was completed in 1919.
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Set between trees at the eastern end of Ooty Lake, simple St Thomas' dates back to 1870.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Accessed via steep, narrow steps, Mamallapuram's lighthouse offers wonderful panoramas.
Tamil Nadu
Tranquebar's post office has occupied the same dishevelled little building since 1884.
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
This ornate Hindu Temple dates from 1689 and merges Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
South of the Raya Gopura the main Mamallapuram Hill path passes the Ramanuja Mandapa.
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Generally thought to be an unfinished gopuram dating from the 16th century.
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